Multiplayer server hosting

[Tilen]

I am trying to understand the functionality here. Selecting "HOST ONLINE..." did not allow me and my friend to find eachother's server in the server browser, neither did the LAN or FRIENDS tab show either of us playing.

Hosting an online server via the above mentioned option, then inviting my friend through Steam would give him the "*NAME* is not playing on any server" prompt.

Am I to understand that the function is reserved for LAN hosting? Is there a way to host a non-dedicated server?

Thanks a lot for your clarification.

[[wan-clan.org] Gordy Freeman]

You need to forward the ports on your router or setup a DMZ to play online.

[Tilen]

Is that so? In this day in age? Interesting. Are there any instructions that I can find? Thanks a lot for the quick response, by the way.

Also if I am not mistaken, does that mean that playing at a friend's house via the internet (same router) would allow us to see eachother?

[[AU] Tabris:DarkPeace]

Do you understand NAT/PAT routers and the difference between a PUBLIC and PRIVATE IP address?

[Tilen]

I think I understand the difference between the latter. A private IP address is the device's IP address, used primarily to communicate with the router/ modem, and the Public IP address is the one assigned by the ISP to your modem. Right?